Senior News

Notes February 03-19

28th ANNUAL JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 MILE ROAD RACE BRINGS A RECORD FIELD TO DUNGARVAN.

Last year in this race we saw 2,200 runners cross the finish line making it the largest 10 mile road race ever held in these parts ,last Sunday we surpassed this number again when a total of 2.500 completed the course. And were we blessed with the weather or what, the early morning frost made way for the sun and by the 1.30 starting time the town and surrounding country side was in splendid condition for all the runners who registered for this year's event. Once again we are overwhelmed with the help and support received by so many people all playing their part in making this event surely now the best 10 mile road race in the country. All your help was really and truly appreciated and every person no matter what their role was at the event your help made the day what it was, a superb day for our club and town. Former Olympian and World Cross Country Champion and Honorary Life member of West Waterford AC, John Treacy got the race underway from the Youghal Road just on the button of 1.30 pm . It was a sight to behold as the huge field made its way on the short 1 mile town loop before heading for the country. The race itself served up some tremendous battles and there were many personal best ran by all accounts. This year once again for the 3rd year we had the services of Myrunresults a professional chip timing company, this took a lot of pressure off our timing crew and we thank myrunresults for their professionalism and having the results out is the fastest time imaginable. West Waterford athletic club were fortunate also once again this year to have on board our race associate sponsors. Flahavans, Nike Ireland, Intersport Elverys, Glanbia, Garveys Supervalu Dungarvan, Allied Irish Bank Dungarvan, Country Stores Dungarvan,Kevin Forde Daybreak Dungarvan ,Munster Sign and Print. Paul Ormonde of Irish Pride Bread, Avonmore Dairies, Nissan Dungarvan. along with a host of other local businesses who supported the event in so many ways. To Waterford city and county council, Josephine Mc Grath and all the staff for their invaluable help ensuring that the course was in top order for the race we are most grateful. To all the staff at Dungarvan Sports Centre Danny,Theresa and Gerry which was our race headquarters this year again, a big thanks. To Dungarvan boxing club for the use of their club pavilion and Kevin Murray their man on duty our deepest thanks go to them for all his help. Thanks to the management of the Fusion centre and the no name club and Dungarvan scouts for the use of their facility. A very special thanks to our super catering crew of which there were too many to mention, it was our largest catering undertaking ever and like always the crew under the guidance of Gerry Cantwell did a super job, to everyone involved a sincere thank you. Thanks to all who provided all the food for the runners it was just a super response to our call for help in this department, the array of food on offer was second to none so many thanks. Thanks to Shirley who looked after the stewards and helpers in her special cafe upstairs. To all who donated to and helped to pack the goodie bags on Saturday. Thanks also go to Liam Lannen for the use of his transport trailer. Thanks to Conor Lannen country stores for the use of his van and Pat and Shannon Dunford, Paul Duggan and JP Fitzpatrick for all their help with the clean up. Thanks to Jim Fleming, Michael Dunford,John Foley and their start line and finish line crew they did brilliant all weekend. To our top notch P.A men Tom Scanlon and the one and only Martin Drake who both did brilliant, there are no better. To Liam O Donnell on lead car .Dirk Baumann and his crew for their superb sound system and music. A big thanks to those who looked after the water stations and for the great job they did in cleaning up the litter after. A special thanks to all at our own Juvenile club who rowed in superbly all weekend also, thanks to all. A very special mention to three people who we simply couldn’t operate without, for their work with the traffic management and practical help leading up to race day and on the day itself and that's Conor Norris, John Mc Grath and Jamie Mills, many thanks lads. Thanks to our friends at Tried and Tested Triathlon club for all their help along with Dungarvan Cycling club for all their invaluable assistance also. To our split time callers and mile markers out on the course and those who looked after the clocks also, especially our friends in Carrick AC for the use of their clock. We must extend our sincere thanks to all at Dungarvan Garda Station and Superintendent Michael Lacey for their continued support with this and all our events, the Garda role is vital to the success of this race and they are always most helpful and understanding in their dealings with us. Thanks to the Order of Malta from Tramore for their professionalism and for making the trip to Dungarvan for the event. Thanks also to all the community centres and all those that gave the use of their burco’s and teapots, etc. There are many other people to thank for their help on the day especially all the many stewards out on the course whom without we couldn't possibly have held the event at all, Motor bike out riders and our friends at DCC also and of course Karen Ryan who had the unenviable tasked of coordinating the whole stewarding operation for the day, Karen you did brilliant as you usually do, you defiantly have made this task your own going forward. Thanks to all our pacers under the watchful eye of Tony Ferncombe. Finally, a huge thank you to the lady who's hand is on the overall controls, Ann Dunford our overall race director, no more needs to be said about this ladies contribution. To all I have forgotten to thank we do say a big thanks and well done to you all- roll on 2020.

CLONMELS KEVIN MAUNSELL MAKES IT TWO IN A ROW.

Running this race for the 2nd year in succession Clonmel AC athlete Kevin Maunsell retained his title from 2018 as he made it back to back wins last Sunday. The Tipperary man who was the one of leading Irish performer at Decembers European Cross country in the Netherlands broke from a group of 6 at the 7 mile mark to come home alone in a time of 49.36 just a few seconds off his winning time of 2018.From John Treacy's start signal a large group of 6 raced into a lead which included David Flynn Clonliffe Harriers AC,Thomas Fitzpatrick Tallagh AC, Cillian O'Leary Raheny Shanrocks AC Conor Duffy Glaslough Harriers AC and Sean Hehir Rathfarnham WSAF AC. This group stayed tight together through the first couple of miles before our eventual winner Munsell

made his move around the 7 mile mark he upped the tempo on the canal road and broke clear with a very fast mile which no other from our elite group could match, a deserving winner Kevin came home alone to retain his title from last year we hoped he will be back next year to defend his title and become the first to win the race 3 times in a row. A great battle ensued for the runner up spot but here this position belonged to the Clonliffe man as David Flynn finishing in 49.53, David also finished in this position last year when he ran a time of 49.47.third home was Thomas Fitzpatrick Tallagh AC in 50.02 ,he was a previous winner of the race 3 years ago. There was a big mix of clubs from all over the country filling the category prizes and team prizes which are all listed and all in all it’s great to see athletes from clubs far and near compete, well done to one and all, see you all in 2020!

GRACE LYNCH WINS HER FIRST JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 MILE.

It was a brilliant ladies performance by Grace Lynch Iveragh AC to come along last Sunday to run this race for the very first time and in doing so she snatched victory in the ladies event with some style. Grace who the previous week had finished 5th in the Raheny 5 targeted the John Treacy race as her goal event and she did this in style coming home in a time of 58.00 beating last year's winner Laura O'Shaughnessy (Dundrum South Dublin AC) who had to settle for the runners up spot this year Laura ran a time of 58.56 after battling hard to try and retain her title from 2018 however the Iveragh lady had other ideas and ran the perfect race to claim her first win here. Third lady home was 4 times race winner Siobhan O'Doherty Borrisokane AC in a time of 60.18 and 4th Sinead Lambe Done Harriers AC in 61.29,5th place Fiona Santry East Cork AC who ran a time of 61.36 and our 6th finisher was Adela Walsh St. Senans AC with a time of 62.50.It was great to see clubs from 5 different counties represented in the top 6 showing the widespread appeal of the race. The age categories were as keenly contested as ever and it was brilliant to see so many Ladies taking on the 10 mile distance, whatever your time or position we are sure that everyone enjoyed the day and the experience and we hope to see you all back in 2020! Well done to everyone.

5.000 EURO DONATED TO ALZHEIMERS SOCIETY BY RUNNERS OF THE DUNGARVAN 10.

For the 5th year this year we donated monies from the race to a charity. The Alzheimer's Society was the chosen charity for 2019 and we were delighted that you the runners through your generous donated 5.000 euro to this most worthy charity who do great work all over the country. On behalf of the David Power came along on Sunday and was presented with the cheque on behalf of all the runners who donated to the cause .

ORLA O'ROURKE WINS SPECIAL PRIZE SPONSORED BY AIB.

Our friends at Allied Irish Bank came on board as associate sponsors for the 3rd year in 2019 and we thank all concerned for this kind gesture, one very lucky winner received a cheque to the value of 150 euro ,this was drawn among all finishers at the prize presentation in the sports hall and the lucky winner was Orla O'Rourke Ballymore Cobh AC . Our thanks to branch manager George Walsh, Nuala Hogan and Catherine Downey of AIB Dungarvan or their kind sponsorship and for their attendance to present the winner with her cheque.

FORDE'S DAYBREAK WINTER LEAGUE.

FINAL ROUND THIS WEDNESDAY EVENING.

Round 12 of this year's Forde's Daybreak Winter League last week witnessed probably the coldest night to date as it was a bitterly cold for our second last round ,please take note that this week we will be having the traditional mass start so please make sure to be down for the 6.50 pm start.

Once again points were hard fought for last week as the league now nears conclusion every point counts on the very tight league tables. For those of us not in the hunt for overall league prizes we will still be rewarded with the really nice 25th year anniversary T-Shirt which will be awarded to all runners that complete 9 nights in the league. These T -Shirts will be distributed after the league Wednesday night and in Minnies Friday night at the prize presentation night. First home last week was Irene Dee on 53 minutes and she was followed Gerry Cummins 42.39 ,Ingrid Doublet was next in 44.35. That man Mossie Keogh was pushing the boundaries once again last week despite the underfoot conditions when he recorded a very fast 30.41 the quickest runner on the night.

There is just the one night left but anything could happen as some of the divisions are still quite tight as you can see from below. Joe O'Rourke still leads going into the final round with his son Jordan hot on her heels and Brendan Cosgrave is also in there with a shout in 3rd place.There have been a few division changes from last week also and there's still a few twists and turns before the winners will be declared here. Don't forget mass start this week at 6.50 and may the best Man or Woman win.!

TOP 10 PLUS DIVISIONAL LEADERS AFTER WEEK 12.

Joe O’Rourke 2090

Jordan O’Rourke 2056

Brendan Cosgrave 1992

Jim Barry 1957

Noel Flynn 1921

Paul Mc Grath 1917

Mark Shalloe 1895

Molly Fitzgerald 1889

Tasha Lanigan 1889

Lorena Mooney 1878

Divison 2. John Leonard 1804

Divisan 3. Yev Chizhikov 1688

Division 4. Jack Ahearne 1631

Division 5. Geraldine Barry 1516

Division 6. Sarah Duffy 1485

Division 7. Kevin Ryan 1396

Division 8. Gerry Cummins 1386

Division 9. Ingrid Doublet 1321

Division 10. Claire Cosgrave 1214

Division 11. Lorraine Dixon 1150

Division 12. Irene Dee 1093

HARDY NIGHT ON SHORT COURSE.

It was cool frosty evening for week 12 of the Fordes Daybreak winter league. Luckily we were able to go ahead with the league, despite the cold, and this was in no small part due to our very committed team of stewards out on the course who were out keeping the course safe for our runners. Thanks again to our stewards, without whom the league couldn't take place. There is now only 1 more nights left before the conclusion of this year's league. There was a great number out again last Wednesday when 64 runners took up the challenge, on what was our 12th night of the winter league for 2018/19. This section of the league specifically has first timers and beginners in mind and is a manageable distance for most as it covers 2.4 miles in total. Remember as next week is the last week of the league, we will have a mass start so make sure to come a register in good time for the 6.50 start. First home on the night was Vikki Mulhall in 22.09. Next was Helen Cummins in 24.25. Third went to Helen Beresford in 25.08. In 4th and 5th were Caroline O'Brien abd Aine O'Brien in 25.10 and 22.24 respectively. Great times and improvements were recorded by many. including Collette Bannon (25.38), Nicola Cunniffe (20.44) and Sheilanne O'Donoghue (19.35) Fastest time on the night was recorded by Ciaran Frisby in 14.02 followed by Gavin Whelan in 14.07. Fastest lady was Lisa McGrath (17.07) followed by Brigid Coffey (17.50). Next Wednesday night (6th February), is our last night of the league and don't forget it's a mass start with everyone going off together so make sure to come and register early. Theresa Curran has strengthen her grip at the top of the table and she now holds a 57 point lead over second place. Elaine Curran has jumped from 6th to 2nd place on 989 with Christopher Third on 977. The Divisions on the long route are locked from this week on there is only movement within Divisions and not between Divisions.

The top 10 is as follows:

1 Theresa Curran 1046

2 Elaine Curran 989

3 Christopher Phelan 977

4 Clare Moffat 976

5 Patrick Ryan 958

6 Michael Coakley 941

7 Aishling Hourigan 908

8 Olivia Curran 892

9 James Fennell 883

10 John Power 878

Divison 2 Leader

Ronan Foley 890

Divison 3 Leader

Mary Power 818

Divison 4 Leader

Brendan Bullen 752

Caroline O'Brien 752

Helen Cummins 752

Divison 5 Leader

Nicola Cunniffe 706

Divison 6 Leader

Vicki Mulhall 604

Divison 7 Leader

Karen Coleman 468

WINTER LEAGUE TEAM COMPETITION .

As part of the Fordes Daybreak winter league, we also have a team competition. Teams are made up of 3 members with the best 2 scorers on each night counting to the score. This competition is now nearing its conclusion with just 1 weeks left in the league.On the Long route, there leaders are still "Not Fast, Just Furious" (Joe Grant, Mark Shalloe and Kelly Shalloe) on 490 points. In second are "Father, Son and Holy Spirit" (Joe O'Rourke, Jordan O'Rourke and Mark Lenihan) on 747. In Third are "Pavement Princesses ( Geraldine Barry, Onra Power and Michelle Finnegan) on 764. On the short routes, the leaders are still "Curran and Co" (Theresa Curran, Elaine Curran and Nicola McCarty) on points. In second place are "West Cork Crew" (Michael Coakley, Conor O'Neill and Lisa Collins) on 426.

"TOP OIL" -ASSOCIATE WINTER LEAGUE SPONSORS.

For the 2018/19 Forde's Daybreak Winter League we have been fortunate enough to have received associate sponsorship from our friends in Top Oil, our own Kevin Casey and James O Sullivan have come on board to generously sponsor 2 €20 vouchers, one for the short route and one for the long route each week. We decided the best way to allocate the vouchers was to pick the 50th finisher in each route every week and to date we have 22 winners and they are:

Our Fordes Daybreak winter league presentation night will be held in Minnies bar Abbeyside on Friday night February 8th at 8.30, s great night is assured with music, Food and crack. T shirts will also be available for collection on the night for those who have completed the required 9 rounds of the league. Come along and celebrate 25 years of winter league running with us.

MICHAEL ROCHE CARPETS RACE SERIES.

17TH ANNUAL O'REILLY TRADITIONAL BUTCHERS KILMACTHOMAS 4.

The penultimate race in the Michael Roche carpets series will be on Sunday February 17th at 11 a.m., (Please note change of date)the 17th Annual O'Reilly traditional butchers sponsored Kilmacthomas 5. Entries will be taken at the community hall Kilmacthomas at the top of the town with the entry fee being 8 Euro. Shower facilities will also be available in this hall after the event for both men and women. very attractive prize fund will be on offer for the top competitors and plenty of spots for down the field finishers also. Sandwiches and refreshments will be available to all after the event.

37TH ANNUAL DEISE COLLEGE DUNGARVAN 10K

The final race in the Michael Roche carpets series, the Déise College Dungarvan 10K will take place on Sunday March 10th at 11a.m. Now in its 37th year and one of the oldest races on the local road running calendar the Déise College Dungarvan 10k is always one of the more popular races. The club is delighted that Déise College and its proprietors Caroline and Alan Ryan are continuing their sponsorship for this race. The race will also see a number of perpetual trophies being presented. We have the Seamus Power Memorial Trophy to the first male finisher and the Mikey Roche Memorial Trophy for the first local female finisher. We will be using the fast canal circuit as we have used now for the past couple of years for this race with the race headquarters at the Dungarvann GAA club pavilion which is where the presentation of prizes for the race and for the overall series will also take place. The race will start and finish in the same place as always at the Industrial Estate just off the N25, with just a short jog to and from the Dungarvan GAA club grounds for the runner's.

WEST WATERFORD ATHLETES PERFORM WELL AT AAI GAMES.

The AAI Games were held today at the national arena Abbottstown Dublin and the club had 6 athletes in action .Kate Veale won the ladies 3000 meters race walk-in with a time of 13.50,John White made a very welcome return to race walking when he took part in competition after many years out of the sport John clocked 14.11 for the men's 3.000 meters to take 2nd place and also making a welcome return to competition was Lisa Houlihan in the pole vault and Lisa took joint 2nd with a vault of 2.90. Micheál Power was in a packed 3.000 meters race and he ran brilliantly to take 4th in a really good field of athletes with a time of 8.25.54, Rachel Power and Aishlinn O'Regan were both in action in the shot and Rachel threw a distance of 7.90 while Aishlinn threw a distance of 5.99, well done to all six athletes.

SYMPATHY.

West Waterford athletic club extend sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Elizabeth Murphy 3 Fiddown Road, Piltown, Kilkenny who passed to her eternal reward last week, may she rest in peace.